Biodegradation Potential of Two Rhodococcus Strains Capable of Utilizing Aniline as Carbon Source in a Tropical Ecosystem.

Abstract

Two closely related strains of Rhodococcus species, isolated from aniline polluted tropical ecosystem, were able to utilize aniline as carbon source in 3.0 and 4.0 mM concentrations at 30°C and pH of about 6.4. Rapid increase in turbidity and a sharp decline in pH were observed in the cultures of both organisms within 24 h of incubation. Shortly after the period, growth became slower. Turbidity values obtained at 4.0 mM concentrations of aniline was about twice the values obtained at 3.0 mM concentrations. Aniline concentrations of 10 mM and above were found to be toxic for the organisms. Rhodococcus species because of its significant prevalence in agricultural soils can be used as an effective means of recovering tropical agricultural land polluted with aniline, aniline-based herbicides or its derivatives.